Compositions and processes for Assembling Appliances

Abstract

A method of assembling an appliance using a curable silicone composition optionally containing spacer beads of an appropriate size to permit adhesively joining the appliance parts in a desirably spaced-apart arrangement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to the use of rapid curing silicone compositions optionally containing spacer beads in the assembly of appliance parts. In particular, this invention relates to the use of such compositions for assembling glass cooktops to range mainframes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY[0002]The use of adhesives in the assembly and manufacture of appliances has become more prevalent and in many instances has replaced traditional fastener and / or weld applications. The term appliances is generally meant to include, without limitation, those items such as cooktops, ranges and ovens, dishwashers, microwave ovens, washing machines and dryers, among others.[0003]Currently, curable silicone compositions have been used in certain applications, such as the bonding of cooktops to range mainframes. In such applications, the cooktop is generally of a different type of material than the range mainframe. For example; glass cooktops are currently bonded t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In addition, the known curable silicone compositions presently used require a pre-conditioning step prior to mating the glass cook top to the range mainframe, so that the curable silicone composition will develop sufficient adhesive strength prior to mating to allow the joint to form. Moreover, during certain parts of the calendar year, the pre-conditioning step may also include exposure to higher than normal relative humidity conditions to allow that adhesive strength to develop. Such preconditioning adds costs to the process and decreases throughput.

[0005]It would be advantageous to provide a method of assembling appliances using curable silicone compositions, as well as the resultant assembled appliance made therefrom, which eliminates the need for the adhesive spacer tape or other such separate spacing elements which must be individually applied in addition to the silicone composition in order to obtain the proper distance of the two assembled parts.

Problems solved by technology

This method of assembly is labor intensive and costly to the manufacturer, primarily because the tape has to be manually placed around the perimeter of the mainframe prior to the dispensing of the silicone composition.

Additionally, the double-sided foam tape can interrupt the continuous line of silicone which may be required in order to bond the assembly together.

Such preconditioning adds costs to the process and decreases throughput.

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